Brazil’s anti-terror chief has admitted there is a ‘credible threat’ that Daesh (ISIS) will target the Rio Olympics and that numerous measures are being taken to prevent an attack.

With just three months until Games begin, the Brazilian national intelligence agency said the country is preparing for all eventualities.

Brazil has long regarded itself as an unlikely target of extremists thanks to its historical standing as a non-aligned, multicultural nation that is free from enemies.

However, counter-terrorism director Luiz Alberto Sallaberry said in a statement the threat had increased in recent months due to attacks in other countries, and a rise in what he described as the number of Brazilian nationals suspected of sympathising with Islamic State terrorists.

Mr. Sallaberry also confirmed that a credible threat to state security had been made last year.

A tweet threatening Brazil sent in November by Maxime Hauchard, a French national identified as an executioner in Islamic State propaganda videos, was genuine.

The tweet read: ‘Brazil, you are our next target.’

Mr. Sallaberry said his agency had taken several measures to avert a potential attack, including sharing information with foreign security forces and improved training.

Read More: Daily Mail

Featured Image – The Christ the Redeemer Statue, which overlooks Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – DVIDS